chrysalis after-school
we don't just teach girls.
we build the next generation of leaders.
The idea that a girl can become a chemical engineer, carpenter, veterinarian, or corporate CEO was a notion that didn't exist years ago. Since we created Chrysalis After-School in 1998, our experience is that we can change this perspective for hundreds of adolescent girls every year.
Today, Chrysalis After-School is the community's leading program for girls ages 9 to 14 and for high school girls' leadership development. Our emphasis on resilience, connectedness, self-confidence, and health includes volunteerism, academic support, leadership development, STEM engagement, financial literacy, and mentoring.
To understand what's going on in the lives of adolescent girls, we involve them in all aspects of planning and implementation of Chrysalis After-School. Annual evaluations demonstrate the success of this strategy, as participant results report statistically higher changes (when compared with girls not in Chrysalis After-School programs) in the following areas:
- intent to finish high school
- ability to resist peer pressure
- willingness to take responsibility for one's actions
- understanding that working hard today can lead to a successful future
chrysalis after-school sites: 2022-2023
Every program site requires leadership from a school staff member and from a local nonprofit partner.
HIGH SCHOOL/PARTNER
GirlPower Peer Mentors (Multiple High Schools) – Mercy Medical Center
Roosevelt High School – Give Joy
MIDDLE SCHOOL/PARTNER
Bondurant (3 programs) – ISU Polk County Extension
Brody – Brody PTO
Carlisle – Carlisle PTO
MIDDLE SCHOOL/PARTNER
Goodrell – UCS Healthcare
Hiatt – UCS Healthcare
Holy Family – Holy Family Youth Foundation
Hoyt – DMPS SUCCESS Program
Indianola – WeLIFT Community Outreach
McCombs – McCombs PTO
Meredith – UCS Healthcare
Merrill (2 programs) – Merrill PTA
Spring Creek (SE Polk) – Can Play
Urbandale – Community Youth Concepts
Woodside – Community Youth Concepts
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/PARTNER
Hillis - Hillis PTO
Hillside – Can Play
Holy Family – Holy Family Youth Foundation
Howe – Young Women's Resource Center
Karen Acres (Urbandale) – Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines
King – Community Youth Concepts
Lovejoy – Lovejoy Elementary School